Wheel Bearing - Press-In Front

Remove and replace the front wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV using a hydraulic press to install the new press-in bearing.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing (press-in type) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut × 1 — Single-use fastener
• Cotter pin or stake nut × 1 — Per torque spec requirements
• Hub seal (inner and outer) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Snap ring (if applicable) × 1 — Retains bearing in knuckle

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Loosen (but do not remove) the front axle nut while vehicle is on ground using breaker bar
5. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
6. Remove front wheel completely
7. Clean work area around wheel hub, knuckle, and suspension components with wire brush

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the brake caliper mounting bolts and carefully hang the caliper from the suspension using a caliper hanger or wire. Do not allow caliper to hang by the brake hose. Remove the brake rotor by pulling straight off the hub. If rotor is seized, use penetrating oil and light tapping with plastic mallet.
2. 2

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the back of the knuckle. Disconnect the electrical connector. Remove the ABS sensor mounting bolt and carefully extract the sensor from the knuckle bore. Inspect the sensor tip for damage or debris.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove axle nut and separate CV axle
   Completely remove the previously loosened axle nut. Push the CV axle shaft inward slightly to break it free from the hub splines. If the axle is stuck, use a plastic mallet to tap on the end while pulling the hub outward. Do not damage the CV joint threads.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Separate lower ball joint and tie rod end
   Remove the lower ball joint pinch bolt or castle nut (depending on design). Use a ball joint separator to disconnect the lower control arm from the knuckle. Remove the outer tie rod end castle nut and use a tie rod separator or pickle fork to disconnect the tie rod from the knuckle. Support the knuckle to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠Ball joint and tie rod separators can slip suddenly. Keep hands clear of pinch points.
5. 5

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Support the knuckle assembly with one hand or a jack. Remove the two or three bolts connecting the strut to the steering knuckle. Mark the position of any alignment cams or eccentric bolts before removal. Carefully lower and remove the entire knuckle/hub assembly from the vehicle.
   ℹ️Take photos or mark alignment cam positions to assist with reassembly and minimize alignment changes.
6. 6

   Remove hub from knuckle
   Secure the knuckle in a vise using soft jaws on the outer edge (not the bearing bore area). If the hub has a snap ring, remove it with snap ring pliers. Using a hydraulic press with appropriate adapters, press the hub out of the bearing from the back side of the knuckle. Support the knuckle so that only the inner bearing race contacts the hub during removal.
   ⚠Press only on the inner bearing race when removing the hub. Pressing on the outer race will damage the bearing and knuckle.
7. 7

   Remove old bearing from knuckle
   With the hub removed, inspect the bearing bore for a retaining snap ring and remove if present. Position the knuckle on the press with the bearing supported from below. Using a bearing driver slightly smaller than the outer bearing race, press the old bearing completely out of the knuckle bore. Remove and discard any old seals.
   ⚠Ensure the knuckle is properly supported to prevent cracking or distortion during bearing removal.
8. 8

   Prepare knuckle and new bearing
   Thoroughly clean the bearing bore in the knuckle using a wire brush and solvent. Inspect for cracks, scoring, or damage. Clean the new bearing outer race and apply a light coat of assembly grease to the bearing bore (not excessive). Ensure the new bearing is at room temperature or slightly warmed (never heat excessively).
9. 9

   Press new bearing into knuckle
   Position the knuckle on the press with the bearing bore facing up. Place the new bearing squarely into the bore, ensuring correct orientation (sealed side typically faces outward). Using a bearing driver that contacts only the outer bearing race, press the bearing evenly into the knuckle until it is fully seated against the internal shoulder or snap ring groove. Install the snap ring if applicable. Verify the bearing is fully seated with no gaps.
   ⚠️Press only on the outer bearing race when installing. Pressing on the inner race or cage will destroy the new bearing.
10. 10

    Install hub seals
    Install new inner and outer hub seals into their respective positions using a seal driver. Drive the seals in squarely until they are flush with the surface or seated against the internal stop. Apply a thin coat of high-temperature bearing grease to the seal lips.
11. 11

    Press hub into new bearing
    Clean the hub mating surface and CV axle splines. Position the hub into the bearing from the appropriate side. Using the press with an adapter that contacts only the inner bearing race (through the hub center), press the hub into the bearing until fully seated. The hub should be firmly seated with no gaps between the hub flange and inner race. Check for smooth rotation by hand.
    ⚠Press force must be applied through the inner bearing race only. Support the outer race and knuckle, not the inner race, during this operation.
12. 12

    Reinstall knuckle assembly to vehicle
    Lift the knuckle/hub assembly into position and align it with the strut mounting holes. Install the strut-to-knuckle bolts, aligning any previously marked cam positions. Do not fully tighten yet. Reconnect the lower ball joint to the knuckle and install the pinch bolt or castle nut. Reconnect the outer tie rod end and install the castle nut.
13. 13

    Install CV axle and torque axle nut
    Guide the CV axle shaft through the hub and ensure it is fully seated into the splines. Install a new axle nut and hand-tighten. Clean the hub mounting face and reinstall the brake rotor. Install the brake caliper and torque the caliper bolts to specification (refer to separate brake service procedures).
    ℹ️A new axle nut must be used. Do not reuse the old nut.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall ABS sensor and torque all fasteners
    Clean the ABS sensor bore and sensor tip. Apply a small amount of anti-seize to the sensor body (not the tip). Install the ABS sensor and torque the mounting bolt. Reconnect the electrical connector. Torque the strut-to-knuckle bolts, lower ball joint fasteners, tie rod end nut, and axle nut to specifications. Install cotter pin or stake the axle nut as required.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt11 Nm (8 lb-ft)

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall wheel and final torque
    Install the wheel onto the hub and hand-tighten all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not loaded. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and perform a final torque check on all lug nuts in star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification, particularly the axle nut which is critical for bearing life
2. Verify the new axle nut is properly staked or has a new cotter pin installed
3. Double-check that the ABS sensor connector is fully seated and secured

Verification

• Rotate the wheel by hand to ensure smooth bearing operation with no binding, grinding, or excessive play
• Check for any axial or radial play in the hub by grasping the tire at 12 and 6 o'clock positions and attempting to rock it
• Verify ABS sensor air gap if measurable (typically 0.5-1.5mm) or confirm proper sensor installation
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises, vibrations, or ABS warning lights
• Schedule a four-wheel alignment to correct any changes made during suspension disassembly

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